Embroideries

View Our Collection of Antique Embroideries and Embroidered Textiles

Antique Embroideries and Embroidered Textiles – Antique embroideries and Suzani embroideries are hand-stitched textiles that are often decorative in design. They can be composed of fine materials such as silk and may even contain metal threading or other precious elements like pearl or gold.

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The antique embroideries are some of the most collectible type of textiles. The best and most sought-after examples are quite rare and appreciated by both consumers and collectors from all over the world. Below you will find our correct collection of antique textiles that are available to be purchased. Embroidery work is commonly seen on clothing, bedding and other decorative fabric items for sale. These days, most of the embroidery work is done by machines which make the process faster and more exact. But it wasn’t always this way.

Although embroidering is often thought to be nothing more than a hobby for people to do in their spare time, it used to serve a much greater purposes. Before cameras and other forms of technology were developed, many historic scenes were stitched out as a way to remember them. This took a lot of space, so many of the embroidered textiles were several feet in length. Sometimes, people also stitched pictures of their loved ones or important political or religious figures. And since their embroidery work was so so cherished and of such a high quality, much of it survived to tell the stories of what these early people went through.

Antique embroidery textile work can be dated by not only looking at the material that it was sewn on, but also the style of the stitching. Antique embroidered textile work that was done thousands of years ago was much more ornate. Over time, embroideries became more simplified though. Certain religious groups taught the textile art form in different ways, and their viewpoints had an influence on its adaptation. Large embroidered textiles were no longer considered important.

Antique folk art embroidery textile weavers often started out with small scraps of fabric to practice on called “samplers”. Banners with quotes on them were also stitched. And detailed edging that included flowers and animal figures became more prominent.

The History of Antique Islamic Embroidery

From the beginning of Islam, embroidery was a valued art form in the entire Islamic world. Even after the traditional ways of life were interrupted by the Industrial Revolution, embroidery remained important.

Arrival Of Islam And Their Magnificent Antique Embroideries

In many societies, the embroidery of clothing for men and women as well as with other textiles was popular. Early Islam took over many of these societies. In the Persian Sasanian as well as Byzantine empires people would use clothing that had designs embroidered on them. These designs could be anything from animals to large human figures. The visual effects provided by this embroidery could be compared to what is found on modern t-shirts. The Kaaba in Mecca had its exterior covered with multi-colored textile hangings before the time of Islam. These hangings probably included embroidery. The modern Islamic equivalent would not have animal designs because this would have been objected to by Muhammad. It is possible Muhammad witnessed embroidered cushions when he went to his wife Aisha’s home. Many of these types of designs disappeared with the arrival of Islam. Motifs that were plant-based remained acceptable.

Embroideries – That Two Hand Craft

Evliya Celebi was a Turkish traveler during the 17th century. Celebi would refer to embroidery as the craft of the two hands. The reason for this was that embroidery was a sign of high social status among people in Muslim societies. It was very popular for a long time. In cities like Istanbul, Damascus, Cairo, and others, it was common to see embroidery on leather belts, handkerchiefs, pouches, uniforms, sheaths, flags, slippers, shoes, horse trappings, tunics, robes and more. Highly-skilled craftsmen would embroider items with silver and gold thread. In order to meet the demand for these items, an embroidery cottage industry was created that employed over hundreds of people.

Mughal Emperor Akbar Love Of Embroideries

Abu al-Fazlibn Mubarak was the chronicler of Mughal Emperor Akbar who reigned during the 16th century. Mubarak wrote to the well known Ani-i-Akbari. He told him Emperor Akbar gives a lot of attention to many different types of embroidery. Mongolian, Iranian and Ottoman types of wear are quite popular and especially textiles that have been embroidered with patterns of Kohra, Nakshi, Gota, Saadi, Wastli, Chikhan, Ari as well as Zardozi.

Imperial Embroidery Workshops

In the towns of Ahmedabad, Lahore, Fatehpur, and Agra there were imperial workshops. Many masterpieces in fabrics were created at these workshops. The knots, figures, patterns as well as a variety of fashions could impress the most experienced travelers. Since that time, the desire for fine material has become common. The varieties of embroidered fabrics utilized at feasts exceed accurate description.

Symbolic protection has been provided by embroidery using the highest valued objects. This includes items for babies, items with religious significance as well as household possessions and more. In Turkey, during the 16th and 17th centuries, men would wear turbans as a sign of Islam. These men would put their turbans beneath embroidered cloths.

Characterized by a distinct regional aesthetic, this relatively simple Greek embroidery showcases the subtler side of antique textile design. It is an understated work that communicates powerful beauty.